Lighting Regulations in Kirtland, Ohio: Preserving Historical Character While Meeting Modern Needs

Introduction: Illuminating Kirtland's Unique Character

Founded in the early 19th century as part of the Connecticut Western Reserve, Kirtland holds a special place in Ohio's history. Named after Turhand Kirtland, a prominent surveyor with the Connecticut Land Company, the city is perhaps best known for its association with the early Latter Day Saint movement and the historic Kirtland Temple, dedicated in 1836.

This rich historical backdrop sets the stage for Kirtland's approach to lighting regulations. The city strives to balance modern lighting needs with preserving its unique historical character and architectural heritage. As residents and property owners navigate these regulations, understanding the specific requirements helps ensure compliance while respecting the community's values.

Quick Reference Guide to Kirtland's Lighting Requirements

Before diving into the details, here are the key lighting regulations you should know:

• Maximum Light Levels: Cannot exceed 10.76 lux (1 foot-candle) at non-residential property lines and must be zero foot-candles at residential property lines
• Maximum Height: Pole-mounted lighting fixtures cannot exceed 22 feet in height
• Business Hours: Non-essential outdoor lighting must be turned off after business hours
• Residential Posts: Lamp posts in residential areas cannot exceed 9 feet in height
• Directionality: No upward-pointing lights (except for flags and ground-level signs)
• HID Lighting: Must have full cut-off fixtures or shielding to prevent light trespass
• Plan Requirements: Photometric drawings showing light levels are required as part of site development plans

Understanding Kirtland's Lighting Philosophy

The Purpose Behind the Regulations

Kirtland's lighting regulations aim to "preserve, protect, and enhance the lawful nighttime use and enjoyment of any and all property through the use of appropriate lighting practices and systems." This approach reflects the city's commitment to:

• Controlling glare
• Preventing light trespass
• Minimizing obtrusive light
• Conserving energy
• Maintaining safety, security, and productivity

Historical Preservation Through Thoughtful Lighting

As home to significant historical landmarks like the Kirtland Temple, the city recognizes that appropriate lighting plays a crucial role in maintaining its distinctive character. The regulations help ensure that modern lighting needs don't detract from the community's historical ambiance.

General Lighting Requirements for Properties

Light Trespass Prevention

One of the core principles in Kirtland's lighting code is preventing unwanted light from affecting neighboring properties:

• Light levels must not exceed 10.76 lux (1 foot-candle) at non-residential property lines
• Light levels must be zero foot-candles at property lines adjoining residential uses
• All on-site lighting must be designed to prevent shine onto adjacent properties
• Light measurements are taken at property lines, at 3.5 feet above ground level

Fixture Height and Direction Requirements

The physical placement and orientation of lighting fixtures is strictly regulated:

• Pole-mounted lighting fixtures cannot exceed 22 feet in height
• Residential lamps on raised posts are permitted if:
• Posts are not in the street right-of-way
• Height does not exceed 9 feet above grade
• Lighting doesn't create glare on adjoining residences
• With limited exceptions for flags and ground-level signs, no lighting may point upward

After-Hours Lighting Considerations

To minimize light pollution and energy consumption:

• All non-essential outdoor lighting must be turned off after business hours
• Only lighting needed for safety or security can remain lit after close of business
• When safety lighting is necessary after hours, it must be reduced to the minimum level required

Special Application Requirements

Commercial Canopies and Shielding

For businesses with overhead canopies:

• Island canopy ceiling fixtures must be recessed so direct light cannot radiate onto adjacent properties or roadways
• All HID lighting (including mercury vapor) must have full cut-off fixtures or appropriate shielding
• Spot and flood lighting must be aimed or shielded to prevent light trespass onto residential properties

Indoor Lighting for Certain Businesses

For specialized businesses, there are specific indoor lighting requirements:

• Some establishments must maintain overhead lighting fixtures of sufficient intensity to illuminate patron areas at a minimum of 5 foot-candles as measured at floor level
• This illumination must be maintained at all times when patrons are present

Subdivision and Street Lighting

For new developments:

• Street lighting may be required in subdivisions
• Installation must follow current minimum standards set by the American Society of Illuminating Engineers
• Utility easements (12 feet in width) are required for street lighting distribution lines

Documentation and Compliance

Required Plans and Submissions

When developing property in Kirtland:

• A photometric drawing showing light levels on the site and at property lines is required as part of the site development plan
• Exterior lighting plans must be included in final development plans
• Sign applications must include information about the type of illumination to be used

Sign Illumination Guidelines

Specific regulations govern how signs can be illuminated:

• External illumination: Only direct lighting from an external source is permitted, and the light source must not be visible from the street or adjacent property
• Internal illumination: May be permitted by the Planning and Zoning Commission for Business and Industrial Districts, but only with reverse pan channel or halo-lighted letters, characters, or graphics

Exemptions from Lighting Requirements

Certain lighting types are exempt from the standard regulations:

• Kerosene, propane, battery, and natural gas lamps
• Low voltage lighting rated at 24 volts or less
• Temporary lighting for governmental special events or public construction
• Street lighting provided by public utilities in the right-of-way

What Property Owners Should Know

Residential Property Considerations

For homeowners in Kirtland:

• Avoid glare that might affect neighbors or roadways
• Keep post-mounted lamps under 9 feet in height
• Shield all flood or spot lighting to avoid light trespass
• Be mindful that in residential districts, no "flood lights, loudspeakers or similar structures that will cause hazards or annoyance to the public generally or to the occupants of adjacent properties" are permitted

Business Owner Guidelines

For commercial property owners:

• Turn off non-essential lighting after business hours
• Ensure all lighting is directed downward (with limited exceptions)
• Submit comprehensive photometric plans when developing or modifying property
• Be aware that changes to exterior lighting may require review by the Planning and Zoning Commission

When Planning New Construction

If you're developing property:

• Include lighting considerations early in your planning process
• Consult the full Chapter 1296 (Outdoor Lighting) of the Kirtland code
• Remember that lighting is considered part of the "improvements" required for development
• Be prepared to document how your lighting plan complies with all regulations

Supporting Kirtland's Lighting Vision

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting understands the delicate balance Kirtland strives to maintain between historical preservation and modern lighting needs.

We share Kirtland's commitment to preserving the unique character of communities while providing effective, compliant lighting solutions. Our deep understanding of regional architectural styles and historical contexts allows us to offer guidance that respects both regulatory requirements and community aesthetics.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations. We recognize that Kirtland's regulations aim to protect its historical ambiance while ensuring safety and functionality, a balance we've helped many Northeast Ohio communities achieve.

Our local presence enables us to better understand Kirtland's specific needs, from the historical significance of landmarks like the Kirtland Temple to the residential character that defines its neighborhoods.

Conclusion

Kirtland's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving historical character while meeting modern needs. By controlling light levels, preventing light trespass, and ensuring appropriate fixtures are used, these regulations help maintain the city's unique ambiance.

Property owners who understand and follow these guidelines not only ensure compliance but also contribute to Kirtland's community values of historical preservation and neighborhood harmony. Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or developer, thoughtful lighting choices help preserve what makes Kirtland special.

For specific questions about your property, always consult with Kirtland's Planning and Zoning Commission or review the complete text of Chapter 1296 (Outdoor Lighting) in the city code.